Every month, we choose one of our incredible volunteers to highlight to show their impact in our community. We look at the platform scores and feedback from schools to pick our Volunteer of the Month, which allows our volunteers to learn more about each other. This month, we’re celebrating Estelle, one of our wonderful volunteers who has contributed to the F4S community.
Estelle Keeber is a leading UK Instagram expert and the brains behind Immortal Monkey, has revolutionised social media for countless entrepreneurs. From founding the world’s fastest-growing women’s network without any initial investment to inspiring hundreds of thousands worldwide with her infectious passion and savvy strategies.
Alongside being a Forbes featured entrepreneur, Estelle has also helped more than 200 people become Amazon #1 best-selling authors and has just launched her 21st book, the Insta Queens Guide to Content that converts.
We asked Estelle a few questions about her volunteering experience at F4S and the impact the experiences have had on her work…
Q. Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been volunteering with F4S.
⭐️ “Hi! I’m Estelle Keeber – Social media marketing expert, speaker, and passionate advocate for helping young people realise their full potential. I’ve been proudly volunteering with Founders4Schools for around three years now, and every single session has been an unforgettable experience (in the best possible way). When I’m not delivering talks in schools, I’m running my business, speaking at events, or drinking far too much tea while planning my next big idea.”
Q. What’s your favourite part about volunteering?
⭐️ “Knowing that I’m making a real difference. There’s nothing quite like seeing students’ eyes light up when they realise what’s possible for them -no matter their background. Being part of that spark, that “I can do this” moment, is incredibly rewarding.”
Q. What motivates you to be part of the F4S mission?
⭐️ “The results speak for themselves. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is to bring professionals into schools – bridging the gap between education and the world of work. It’s all about making careers feel achievable and giving students real-world insight. If I can help one student feel more confident about their future, that’s a win.”
Q. How has volunteering impacted you?
⭐️ “It’s been brilliant for my own wellbeing. There’s something incredibly grounding about stepping into a classroom and remembering why you started – especially in a fast-paced digital world. It reminds me that purpose, connection, and giving back are at the heart of everything I do.”
Q. What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
⭐️ “Do it – and do it often! The more you get involved, the more you’ll get out of it. It’s such a rewarding experience, and it doesn’t just benefit the students—you’ll grow too. Plus, where else do you get to inspire future CEOs, creators, and change-makers before lunchtime?”
Do you want to book Estelle for a session with your school? Reach out to her here.
Thank you for volunteering with us, Estelle! We look forward to seeing the wonderful work you do at F4S. 🙂
Our volunteer community is made up of so many wonderful people from different career backgrounds, and we love to hear more about their experiences. This week, we want to introduce you to Alex Lauder, one of our fantastic volunteers who has been part of our community for five years!
We asked him a few questions about his motivation to volunteer and why he chose F4S. Here’s what he said ⬇️
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been volunteering with F4S…
⭐ “I’ve been volunteering with F4S for around 5 years. In that time, I’ve spoken on webinars, at school assemblies, and attended a school careers fair.
I’ve had a varied career, firstly in management consulting, then banking, a stint as an entrepreneur, and now working for myself. I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in some amazing countries along the way, including Hong Kong, Singapore, France, and Switzerland. In 2008, I did an MBA at INSEAD in France, which was the best year of my life! My greatest passion is travel, and I’ve visited nearly 60 countries; my favourite one would have to be Greece.”
Q: What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
⭐ “My favourite part about volunteering is making an impact and knowing that small changes today can have a big impact on people’s futures. The subject I mostly speak about is financial planning, in a session which I call “Learn it before you burn it”. Financial planning isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about preparing for it. Big life goals – such as buying a house, starting your own business, or deciding to travel the world – can feel impossible to achieve, but by breaking things down into small steps and taking action, your goal goes from dream to reality.”
Q: What motivates you to be part of the F4S mission?
⭐ “Something I’ve heard over and over is “no one tells you this stuff when you’re young!” So my motivation is to share some really simple yet effective principles on how to get your finances off to a good start in life. It’s not about how much money you have, it’s about making the right decisions in your twenties. If young people gain some clarity and take those first steps, then I feel like I’ve made a difference.”
Q: How has volunteering impacted you?
⭐ “Volunteering connects me to others and makes me feel a part of the community. Sharing my experience with others brings a sense of purpose, which is quite different from what I do in my day job.”
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
⭐ “I would say jump in and don’t look back! Choose something you’re passionate about, as that way you’ll be most likely to bring energy and enthusiasm to the topic. Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; you’ll gain new skills and discover more about yourself in the process.”
Inspired by Alex’s story? Join our volunteer community today and help shape the next generation’s future!Sign up here 🚀
We’d love to hear from you! 🙂
Every month, we choose one of our incredible volunteers to highlight to show their impact in our community. We look at the platform scores and feedback from schools to pick our Volunteer of the Month, which allows our volunteers to learn more about each other. This month, we’re celebrating Olivia, one of our wonderful volunteers who has contributed to the F4S community.
Olivia is an award-winning Programme Manager working in the charity and education sectors. She loves to give advice to women on leadership roles and how to use their network to succeed. Additionally, she offers support for working in the charity and education sectors.
Outside of work, she trains privately as an opera singer and would be happy to mentor or speak about time and stress management and pursuing your passion.
We received some wonderful feedback from a school in our community about Olivia:
“I’m so grateful for Olivia’s time. She spoke so well about her personal experiences and journey as a female studying maths and later physics, and how much success she’d already had in her young career. Furthermore, she gave attention to all the students’ questions 1:1 and sat and spoke with a few of the shy girls who really benefited from her attention.”
Do you want to book Olivia for a session with your school? Reach out to her here.
Thank you for volunteering with us, Olivia! We look forward to seeing the wonderful work you do at F4S. 🙂
Recently, two of our University Ambassadors were invited to speak to students at Callerton Academy in Newcastle. Erin Wood started volunteering with F4S last year and is passionate about sharing her love of mathematics with the younger generation. She has spoken at our virtual assemblies and hosted her own 1:1 career acceleration sessions with schools.
Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and she understands how helpful it would have been to have had someone to turn to for career advice when she was younger. That’s why she is driven to share her experience and support students looking to follow in the same footsteps! 🌟
We asked her a few questions about his experience with F4S and talking to the students at Callerton Academy in Newcastle. Here’s what she said…
Q: What was the event you participated in, and what was your role as a university ambassador?
“I participated in a career acceleration session with Year 10 students, where I gave a 20-minute talk about my journey into medicine. As a university ambassador, my role was to provide real insight into university life and show that the path to a career isn’t always straightforward.”
Q: What surprised you most about the experience?
“What surprised me most was how engaged the students were. They listened attentively and asked thoughtful, well-formulated questions, which made the experience even more rewarding.”
Q: Do you feel like you gained confidence participating in this in-person event?
“Yes, undoubtedly. My entire experience with F4S has significantly boosted my confidence. It has helped me become more comfortable with public speaking and gave me the opportunity to grow and expand my communication skills.”
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or interaction from the day?
“A memorable moment was when a student told me she wanted to pursue medicine but felt held back by her exam progress. I shared my own similar struggles, and I could see that it reassured her to know that someone who had “made it” had also felt like she does now, which was meaningful.”
Q: What would you say to a fellow student who’s thinking of becoming a university ambassador?
“To any student thinking about becoming a university ambassador, I’d say just do it. It’s an incredibly rewarding way to give back and make a real difference to someone else’s journey.”
A huge thank you to Erin for taking the time to give insights and encourage the younger generation! 🙂
You can find full replays from Erin’s virtual assemblies on the resource centre here.
If you want to invite Erin to speak at a virtual assembly, you can find her profile on the platform.
We are so excited to see future talks from Erin 🥳
Recently, two of our University Ambassadors were invited to speak to students at Callerton Academy in Newcastle. Hamish Barrie started volunteering with F4S last year and has been a wonderful addition to our community, speaking at several virtual assemblies and leading 1:1 career acceleration sessions with schools in the UK.
Hamish is currently an undergraduate in Accounting and Finance at Newcastle University. When he was in the process of applying to university, he felt it was very daunting, but a little bit of guidance from students undertaking an undergraduate degree was massively helpful. That’s why he decided to be a University Ambassador! 🌟
We asked him a few questions about his experience with F4S and talking to the students at Callerton Academy in Newcastle. Here’s what he said…
Q: What was the event you participated in, and what was your role as a university ambassador?
“Callerton Academy in-person Assembly, presenting my university and educational pathway. My role as a university ambassador was to provide insight and reliability for the students in their educational careers. Stacy mentioned that these were the first university students they had seen, which gave them much more insight into what the next few years may look like.”
Q: What surprised you most about the experience?
“How insightful and knowledgeable the students were about what career paths they wanted to pursue. The engagement the students gave was brilliant, answering questions and coming up with thoughts and ideas on specific topics such as potential career paths and ways to achieve goals and aspirations.”
Q: Do you feel like you gained confidence participating in this in-person event?
“Lots of confidence in public speaking and presentation skills, which will be very useful in my career and last year of university.”
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or interaction from the day?
“The most memorable moment/interaction was being able to ask questions and listen to answers from the students. The vast array of answers and aspirations was very interesting, and it was brilliant to hear from a range of students what their goals are for the next few years post-GCSE study.”
Q: What would you say to a fellow student who’s thinking of becoming a university ambassador?
“Fantastic opportunity to be able to give insight and knowledge to younger students. I wish I had an insight into what university was like when I was younger. Being able to give back and provide this to students not only benefits you, in terms of CV/Career Skills, but also massively helps the students in their understanding of university and higher education.”
A huge thank you to Hamish for taking the time to give insights and encourage the younger generation! 🙂
You can find full replays from Hamish’s virtual assemblies on the resource centre here.
If you want to invite Hamish to speak at a virtual assembly, you can find his profile on the platform.
We are so excited to see future talks from Hamish 🥳
Every month, we choose one of our incredible volunteers to highlight to show their impact in our community. We look at the platform scores and feedback from schools to pick our Volunteer of the Month, which allows our volunteers to learn more about each other. This month, we’re celebrating Liyana, one of our wonderful volunteers who has contributed to the F4S community.
Liyana is the Group Communications Manager at Brambles, implementing communication initiatives and contributing to programs that actively engage internal audiences on a global scale.
Beyond her professional achievements, Liyana serves on the Future Leaders Shadow Board of Women in Banking & Finance UK (WIBF), where she shapes strategies to foster inclusivity in the financial services sector.
We received some wonderful feedback from a school in our community about Liyana:
“Liyana was an excellent mentor. She attended in person and carefully planned a session which helped our young girls feel inspired, motivated to find internships/work experience, and learn that STEM careers involve careers which interlink with communication, HR, and marketing, to name a few. She was friendly and presented very well…”
Do you want to book Liyana for a session with your school? Reach out to her here.
Thank you for volunteering with us, Liyana! We look forward to seeing the wonderful work you do at F4S. 🙂
At F4S, we know that preparing young people for the future means connecting classroom learning with the fast-evolving world of work. That’s why we’re excited to unveil this year’s F4S National Careers Programme themes—a powerful monthly series designed to ignite curiosity, showcase real-world innovation, and spotlight careers in future-focused sectors.
Developed in collaboration with educators, industry leaders, and academic calendars, each monthly theme aligns with key awareness dates and national priorities. From AI and sustainability to creative industries and defence technology, we’re helping students across the UK explore meaningful career paths with the support of role models and innovative scale-ups leading change.
Here’s what’s coming up this year:
September – Defence Technology
The UK’s defence sector is a global leader, with the government committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical role defence and national security play in both protecting the nation and driving economic growth. Supporting around 434,000 jobs—equivalent to 1 in every 60 UK jobs—the sector offers well-paid, high-impact careers across engineering, technology, intelligence, and logistics. For students, learning about defence tech provides valuable insight into real-world issues like cybersecurity, global conflict, and technological sovereignty, while also showcasing how the sector drives innovation in AI, robotics, materials science, and quantum computing.
With major industry events such as London Defence Week and the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition taking place in September 2025, it’s the ideal time to spotlight this fast-growing industry. Through real-world examples and inspiring encounters with professionals, students can connect classroom learning with cutting-edge developments and see the exciting and meaningful career opportunities available in defence technology.
October – Aerospace & Engineering
The aerospace and engineering sector is a vital driver of innovation, sustainability, and national security in the UK and beyond—contributing over £30 billion to the UK economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of highly skilled jobs. From designing aircraft and spacecraft to developing cutting-edge technologies that power everything from clean energy systems to robotics, this industry shapes how we move, live, and explore. With World Space Week taking place from 6–12 October, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the role of aerospace and engineering in advancing science and tackling global challenges. Rapid developments in space exploration, green engineering, and artificial intelligence make this a future-facing field with exciting career prospects.
Through real-world examples and inspiring encounters with professionals, students can see how engineers and aerospace experts turn bold ideas into reality—building the future and equipping themselves with problem-solving, creativity, and resilience along the way.
November – Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical pillar of the UK economy, now valued at over £10 billion and growing rapidly as digital threats become more complex and widespread. With businesses, governments, and individuals increasingly reliant on digital systems, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has surged—offering high-paying, future-proof careers that are essential to our digital infrastructure. The sector plays a vital role in protecting sensitive data, financial systems, and national security, making it a crucial area for students to understand.
With Maths Week England taking place from 15th–23rd November 2025, we’ll be celebrating with our annual Virtual Assembly in partnership with GCHQ, featuring real-world female spies and showcasing the vital role of maths in cybersecurity—making it the perfect time to shine a spotlight on this exciting and essential sector. By showcasing its real-world impact and connecting students with inspiring role models, we can spark interest, build digital resilience, and empower young people to explore exciting careers at the forefront of safeguarding the digital world.
December – Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a vital part of the UK economy, creating high-value jobs with above-average wages and spreading opportunity across the country. It underpins many key service sectors, drives innovation, and plays a crucial role in building economic resilience. As the UK works toward a net-zero future, manufacturing will be central to delivering clean energy solutions and advancing sustainable technologies. With estimated annual investment needs of £50–60 billion through the late 2020s and 2030s, the sector is poised for major growth and transformation.
We’re spotlighting Manufacturing Month in December to align with National Manufacturing Day and to highlight the industry’s progress and potential. By connecting students with role models working across diverse manufacturing roles, we aim to bring the sector to life, show its real-world impact, and inspire the next generation to see themselves in high-skilled, future-focused industrial careers.
January – Creative Industries
The creative industries are a powerhouse of innovation and cultural influence—contributing over £115.9 billion annually to the UK economy and employing more than 2.3 million people across fields like design, media, fashion, film, music, advertising, and the arts. Growing at more than twice the rate of the wider economy, this dynamic sector offers students exciting career opportunities that blend creativity with digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The theme will help students see how their talents in storytelling, design, performance, and problem-solving can lead to real-world success. By highlighting the sector’s impact on both the economy and our daily lives, students will gain insight into diverse, future-ready pathways that connect passion with purpose—empowering them to thrive in one of the UK’s most vibrant and fast-growing sectors.
February – AI, Machine Learning & Robotics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and solve complex problems—making it one of the most exciting and impactful sectors of the modern economy. From healthcare and transport to finance and entertainment, AI, machine learning, and robotics are driving innovation across industries. With over 75% of companies planning to adopt these technologies within the next five years, the demand for digitally skilled professionals is rapidly rising. Careers in AI offer students the chance to shape the future, tackle global challenges, and work on technologies that improve lives. This is an ideal time to explore this theme, with AI featured prominently in global conversations about ethics, automation, and the future of work. By showcasing real-world applications and connecting with inspiring role models, students can see how AI skills—like coding, data analysis, and problem-solving—open doors to cutting-edge, future-proof careers.
March – Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of building a better future—and with growing demand for green skills across every industry, it offers some of the most meaningful and impactful career opportunities today. Sponsored by Hitachi Energy, our March theme coincide with British Science Week and will spotlight inspiring employees working to power a more sustainable world.
As environmental responsibility becomes increasingly urgent, students will explore careers in carbon reduction, sustainable engineering, green technologies, and climate consulting. This theme also celebrates the contributions of women in sustainability in aid of International Women’s Day, highlighting diverse role models who are driving change across science, technology, and business. Through real-world insights and personal stories, students will see how their career choices can help protect the planet and shape a fairer, greener economy. It’s a unique chance to ignite ambition and equip young people with the knowledge and motivation to become the next generation of sustainability leaders.
April – Fintech
FinTech—where finance meets technology—is one of the fastest-growing and most transformative sectors in the UK, revolutionising how we bank, invest, make payments, and manage money. Valued at over £11 billion and continuing to expand, the UK’s FinTech industry is a global leader, driving innovation in digital banking, blockchain, AI, open finance, and sustainable financial solutions. With increasing demand for secure, efficient, and tech-enabled financial services, FinTech offers diverse, high-growth career paths that combine skills in technology, data, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.
As we celebrate FinTech Week in April, it’s the perfect time to spotlight this exciting sector. Through real-world case studies and role model encounters, students can explore how FinTech is shaping the future of money, understand its impact on everyday life, and gain inspiration to develop the digital and analytical skills needed for success in this dynamic industry.
May – Life Sciences
The life sciences sector holds immense potential to transform the future—driving economic growth, boosting productivity, and significantly improving health outcomes for people across the UK. From developing cutting-edge medicines and vaccines to advancing diagnostics and biotechnology, life sciences deliver innovations that are essential to the wellbeing of society and the resilience of our economy. This was especially clear during the pandemic, where rapid scientific breakthroughs played a key role in global recovery.
The UK’s life sciences sector is already world-leading, with over 6,800 businesses generating more than £100 billion in turnover (2021–2022). It’s supported by a strong ecosystem that includes four of the world’s top ten universities for life sciences and medicine, a thriving research community, and the unparalleled expertise of the NHS. By spotlighting life sciences in our careers programme, we can help students understand how science is applied to solve real-world challenges, inspire them with role models working at the forefront of innovation, and open doors to exciting, high-impact careers in health, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.
Through virtual assemblies, mentoring, and access to inspiring role models, the F4S National Careers Programme helps students see how their skills and interests align with the real world. We're proud to support educators and employers in bridging the gap between education and the industries shaping our future.
Stay tuned each month as we spotlight a new theme—and inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and changemakers.
At F4S, we marked National Numeracy Day in style—with a celebration of how mathematics empowers discovery, creativity, and real-world impact.
This special day was the perfect opportunity to help students see that maths is more than numbers—it’s a language that shapes the world around us. To bring this message to life, we spotlighted the stories of remarkable women whose mathematical brilliance changed history.
What We Did
This year, we focused on inspiring students through the stories of women in mathematics—figures who have used their mathematical brilliance to make history, challenge stereotypes, and shape the future.
By sharing these stories, we aimed to help students see that maths is not just about equations—it’s about exploration, impact, and identity.
Meet the Trailblazers:
🌟 Katherine Johnson A pioneering African-American mathematician, Katherine Johnson played a crucial role in NASA’s early space missions—calculating the flight paths for both the first American in space and the Apollo 11 moon landing. Her precision and perseverance changed the course of science and history. 📣 “Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing.”
🌟 Maryam Mirzakhani Maryam Mirzakhani was the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal 🏅, often called the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics.” Her groundbreaking research on geometry and surfaces continues to influence the field today. Her journey encourages students to approach problems with patience and passion. 📣 “The beauty of mathematics only shows itself to more patient followers.” 🧠✨
🌟 Sophie Germain A self-taught mathematician, Sophie Germain defied the norms of her time by studying under a male pseudonym. Her contributions to number theory and elasticity continue to inspire. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-belief. 📣 “Algebra is nothing more than geometry, in words; geometry is nothing more than algebra, in pictures.” 🎨➗
🌟 Hypatia of Alexandria Living over 1,600 years ago in ancient Egypt, Hypatia was a philosopher and mathematician who taught geometry, algebra, and astronomy. At a time when women were rarely seen in such roles, her pursuit of knowledge and teaching preserved key Greek mathematical ideas. 📣 Hypatia’s life shows us the enduring power of curiosity, courage, and education.
By sharing these stories, we aimed to help students see that maths is not just about equations—it’s about exploration, impact, and identity.
Set a Student Challenge
To build on this inspiration, we set students a challenge:
Plan a weekend inspired by one of these pioneering women—and put their numeracy skills to the test!
From travel costs and entry fees to food and fun, this activity helps students practice budgeting, savings, and decision-making in a creative, real-world context.
Looking ahead, there are plenty of ways for teachers to bring the spirit of National Numeracy Day into the classroom year-round:
Incorporate real-world maths stories into lessons—link topics like algebra, geometry, or data with the people and problems that make them matter.
Introduce students to diverse role models in STEM—use our resources to showcase mathematicians from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries.
Encourage reflective conversations—ask students how they see maths in their own lives, their communities, or the careers they aspire to.
Use our Career Acceleration Sessions to help students connect numeracy skills with future pathways—from tech and engineering to entrepreneurship and creative industries.
On Tuesday 20th May 2025, Maths4Girls and Macquarie Group hosted an inspiring Virtual Assembly aimed at encouraging more girls to explore the power and potential of studying maths beyond GCSE. The event welcomed students aged 11–14 from across the UK and gave them the opportunity to hear directly from three trailblazing women at Macquarie who use maths daily in diverse, high-impact roles.
Why Maths4Girls Matters
Maths4Girls connects students with relatable, real-world role models who show how mathematical skills can lead to exciting, meaningful careers. In a world where the gender gap in STEM persists, initiatives like this are essential. Maths4Girls doesn’t just break down stereotypes—it empowers girls to imagine themselves in industries where women are still underrepresented.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Bex Kimberley
Varsha Balraj
Kimberley McDonald
The Virtual Assembly featured three brilliant women, each offering unique insight into how maths drives their careers and shapes the industries they work in:
Kimberley McDonald – Associate Director
Kimberley spoke about leading global financial projects and how AI is transforming the way they work. She encouraged students to stay confident, curious, and to embrace diverse interests—like drama and maths—as part of creating a unique career path.
Bex shared her journey from aspiring pop star to a leader in financial crime risk projects, where she protects systems across the world. She highlighted how mathematical reasoning underpins her work and enables her to respond to fast-evolving threats.
Varsha Balraj – Data Analyst
Varsha described her transition from studying engineering and biology to working in tech. From cancer research to financial data, she applies her analytical mindset to uncover trends and deliver insights that drive decision-making across global markets.
Together, these women showcased the breadth of careers that use maths every day—from safeguarding systems to analysing markets and driving innovation.
What Students Learned
The session gave students insight into how maths is applied in a wide range of careers—from financial crime risk and artificial intelligence to global data analysis. Each speaker shared how mathematical thinking plays a central role in their day-to-day work.
Bex Kimberley explained how her perspective on maths changed when she started using it in practical settings:
“As soon as I started applying it to a real-world scenario, I found it really interesting—and I was much better at it than I ever was in a school setting.”
Kimberley McDonald encouraged students to see maths not just as an academic subject, but as a long-term advantage.
“Keep pursuing it to the highest level of you can - because it truly is a superpower on your CV and opens a lot of doors.”
https://youtu.be/-M91wMtvjek?si=fTQ9gdlbLOPakQd1
Varsha Balraj spoke about how Maths has empowered her:
https://youtu.be/UfP70kNBH44?si=1zQVGqNCVhjlA7FL
By hearing directly from professionals working across tech, finance, and data, students were shown the relevance of maths beyond the classroom and introduced to examples of women succeeding in fields where female representation is still growing.
Join the Movement
This event highlighted the power of representation, relevance, and real-world connection. Maths4Girls continues to offer free sessions that connect young people with role models across finance, tech, healthcare, engineering, and more.
👉 Educators and industry professionals: Help us inspire the next generation—sign up here.
At F4S, we know that representation matters—especially when students are exploring their place in the world of work. That’s why we’ve launched new accessibility settings: a new way for users to self-identify with a disability, neurodivergent condition, or long-term health condition so they can be more meaningfully matched with individuals who value lived experience.
What Are The New Accessibility Settings? 💻
These settings are now available in your F4S profile, allowing you to indicate whether you live with a disability or condition, including mental health, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and more. These settings are entirely optional, private by default, and can be updated at any time.
The purpose? To help educators connect with volunteers whose backgrounds reflect their students’ experiences. If a teacher is working with a student who is visually impaired, neurodivergent, or living with a chronic illness, for example, they can now request to hear from someone who truly understands that journey. This can make for a richer, more empowering session—one where students not only learn about careers, but also feel seen.
When setting up or editing your profile, you can now choose from a range of accessibility preferences based on needs related to:
Chronic Illness
Physical Disability/ Mobility Issues
Neurodivergent
Visual Impairment
Deaf/Profoundly Deaf
Hearing Loss
Learning Difficulties
Mental Health
Other
https://youtu.be/Kq8sbblA1Gg?si=nTSreqavTOIMlApj
Adjusting the accessibility settings is:
1️⃣ Voluntary 2️⃣ Customisable at any time 3️⃣ Private by default
And don’t worry—this information stays private by default. You control who sees it. You can update accordingly when it suits you.
Here’s how you can adjust your profile:
Log in to your volunteer account.
Navigate to the profile settings section.
Update the “Profile Settings” by ticking Yes or No in the relevant box.
This new disability feature is entirely optional, but it enables teachers who have students with disabilities in their classrooms to invite role models with similar hidden disabilities to speak to their students so they can appreciate the potential roles they might hold in the future.
Why It Matters 🤔
Too often, students with disabilities or additional needs don’t see themselves represented in career talks or role models. But we know from experience that hearing from someone who’s “been there” can be transformational.
These accessibility settings help bridge that gap, making it easier for schools to find speakers whose lived experiences can resonate deeply. These aren’t just career talks—they’re moments that can reshape ambition, spark confidence, and break down barriers. 🚀
Let's Build a Platform Where Everyone Belongs 🏡
At F4S, our volunteer community is full of diverse and inspiring people who have a unique perspective on the working world and finding your place as someone with a disability. We want to give you the opportunity to share this with the next generation and break down stereotypes.
Got feedback? Want to help us improve? Email us at contact@founders4schools.org.uk- we’d love to hear from you! 😊
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